Dowagiac’s Sister Lakes Brewing ties community together

The walls of its taproom tell the story of Dowagiac’s Sister Lakes Brewing Company.

Hanging throughout are glimpses at the community that makes its existence possible. For starters, there are aerial photos showing lakes in the area that boost tourism — Round Lake, Little Crooked Lake, Magician Lake, Cable Lake and Dewey Lake, most notably.

Dozens of vintage signs from businesses that have come and gone fill the gaps. Wick’s Apple House, as an example, used to be a prime area attraction, drawing bus loads in from Chicago.

Jerry Morin, patriarch of the family that opened Sister Lakes Brewing Company a little more than a year ago, always wanted the business to wrap its arms around the people that would become customers. That’s why the brewery’s tag line reads, “Fostering community, one pint at a time.”